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My neighbor will NEVER buy brand "X" again.

I witnessed first hand yesterday how certain brands and/or this industry can get such a bad reputation. It makes this site so valuable because it gives a place for us "standard guys" to get some knowledge so we can keep from getting screwed.
My neighbor had a new HP installed a year gao, and it has been nothing but a disaster, and they are blaming the brand. The new HP was a size bigger, and coupled to the 25 year old indoor coil. The compressor failed. New compressor and hard start kit was put in. Still didn't work. Then a new air handler was put it, because it was determined there was not enough air flow. Still problems. Then a new matched coil was installed. Then a new T-stat. Then another call-back because the T-stat needed to be wired differently. Still not right, my guess is because there is still not enough air flow because the ducting to me looks really small, but I don't know. Probably all could have been avoided if the correct sized HP with matching coil and air handler had been installed in the first place. They just got back from vacation yesterday, and I had to tell him that while he was gone when we had some days in the upper 40's the HP was not running, and the t-stat was showing "emergency heat". So, it broke again.

That's why the first thing any of the guys here will tell you is brand comes second in the decision, installer comes first. Mismatched systems are a nightmare and seldom function properly, it is a lot worse when it's a heat pump. Glad you are picking up on what goes on in the industry here on the site, it's too bad your neighbor got caught with his guard down. Thank you for using "Brand X" in your post instead of a manufacturer, shows an honest understanding of the real underlying problem we are faced with.

My neighbor doesn't skimp... And I could understand how it could happen, A guy comes into your house after an old HP dies, and reassures you he can get you fixed up, so you go for it. When I had my furnace installed last spring, a local guy quoted me a furnace bigger than what I previously had, saying it would be fine because it was 2-stage, but from what I gained on this site I knew he was steering me wrong. I ended up with a variable that is one size smaller than original, and it is still on the high side. Sharing my neighbor's story was more of a "thank you" for this site, not a complaint about the industry you all belong to. Mike

My neighbor doesn't skimp... And I could understand how it could happen, A guy comes into your house after an old HP dies, and reassures you he can get you fixed up, so you go for it. When I had my furnace installed last spring, a local guy quoted me a furnace bigger than what I previously had, saying it would be fine because it was 2-stage, but from what I gained on this site I knew he was steering me wrong. I ended up with a variable that is one size smaller than original, and it is still on the high side. Sharing my neighbor's story was more of a "thank you" for this site, not a complaint about the industry you all belong to. Mike

You sir are in a low percentage of customers that understand our industry and what we also have to deal with.

You even used brand X so as not to single out the make if the equipment. It sad that our industry still has people that work twice as hard to do things wrong instead of doing right the first time.

Plus you understand sizing of equipment! Most people jump in and say yes to larger equipment because they belive it will work better to heat and cool there homes. Just goes without saying that brand is not the most important thing. The 1st thing is the installing company. Size a system properly and have the info to back it up, make suggestions or offer options to the customer for system selections and be up front and honest with customers. If all this things are done you have the ingredients for a great install with any make or model equipment.

Instances such as these give the industry a black eye. Now, your neighbor will lose a faith in any individual associated with this trade.

Unfortunately, There will always be the contractor who cuts corners, doesn't perform the correct procedures and the end result is a this very topic. That's why, we as contractors, need to do our very best to educate our customers. This site is such a valuable tool for any homeowner to help weed out those who are unfit and untrained.

Another page of this sad story. My neighbor's HP is broke again, and he's peeved. I caught his morning rant, and he said "this is supposed to be a good unit and it is much bigger than what used to be here so is should work better" I mentioned that maybe he should find another tech, but he scoffed at this idea, the tech he has is "a good guy".. I love the bigger is better comment. I can't wait to find out what was wrong this time.